Your guide to the 18 year old minimum wage in Australia

Understanding the 18 year old minimum wage

If you are 18 and starting work in Australia, you might wonder what you should be paid. The answer is not a single figure — it depends on the award or enterprise agreement that covers your job. The 18 year old minimum wage is typically a junior rate set as a percentage of the adult rate in your industry’s award. Only employees not covered by any award or agreement are entitled to the national minimum wage.

What the law says about junior pay

Fair Work explains that all employees are entitled to a minimum wage, but for most people that minimum comes from the award that covers their industry or occupation. Awards often include junior pay rates for workers under 21. These rates are a percentage of the adult rate and increase as you get older. For an 18-year-old, the percentage can range from about 70% to 80% depending on the award. You can use the Pay and Conditions Tool on the Fair Work Ombudsman site to find the exact rate for your job.

The national minimum wage benchmark

For employees not covered by an award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage applies. From 1 July 2026, that rate is $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week. This is the floor — your employer cannot pay you less than this unless a junior rate in an award specifically allows a lower amount. The Fair Work Commission reviews these rates each year.

How your take-home pay works

Once you know your gross pay, you need to consider tax and the Medicare levy. For the 2026–27 tax year, the tax-free threshold is $18,200. Income above that is taxed at progressive rates. The Low Income Tax Offset (LITO) can reduce your tax bill. The Medicare levy is 2% of your taxable income, but if you earn below $28,011 (the single lower threshold) you pay no levy. Between $28,011 and $35,013 you pay a reduced rate. Full-time workers earning above $35,013 pay the full 2%.

For example, if you earn the national minimum wage full-time (38 hours per week, 52 weeks), your annual gross pay is $52,255. After tax and the Medicare levy, your take-home pay is roughly $41,000 per year. That works out to about $1,577 per fortnight. Remember, this is an estimate — your actual take-home depends on your exact award rate, any allowances, and whether you have a HELP debt or salary sacrifice.

Superannuation is extra

From 1 July 2026, your employer must pay superannuation at the same time as your wages. The super guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings. This is paid on top of your salary, so it does not reduce your take-home pay. If a job advertisement says “$26.44 per hour plus super”, the super is additional.

Where to get more information

• Check your award rates using the Minimum wage guide.
• Estimate your after-tax income with the Take-home pay calculator.
• Understand your Medicare obligations on the Tax and Medicare page.

Remember, the 18 year old minimum wage is not a fixed number. Always confirm your award coverage and junior rate with your employer or the Fair Work Ombudsman.